Jamestown, New York

1. National Comedy Center

Formally designed in 2019 by the United States Congress, the National Comedy Center in Jamestown is the official museum and cultural institution of America dedicated to the presentation of comedy’s vital story, as well as the preservation of its heritage for both present and future generations. The National Comedy Center provides a unique guest experience through personalization, interactivity, and state-of-the-art technology to create a true 21st-century museum environment. The museum features exclusive collections and over fifty interactive exhibits delving into every genre and style of comedy, ranging from slapstick and vaudeville acts live stand-up to cartoons and internet memes.

203 W 2nd St, Jamestown, NY 14701, Phone: 716-484-2222

2. Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum

The Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum2 W 3rd St, Jamestown, NY 14701, Phone: 716-484-0800

The Audubon Community Nature Center was established to build and nurture connections between nature and people by offering knowledge for people to act everyday in environmentally responsible ways, opportunities for learning about and understanding the natural world, and positive outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore nearly six hundred acres of wetlands and around five miles of nature trails through educational gardens and the native tree arboretum. The Audubon Community Nature Center also provides an area for picnics and numerous exhibits about many of the animals in the local area. Guests can also see several live animals, like an American bald eagle.

1600 Riverside Rd, Jamestown, NY 14701, Phone: 716-569-2345

4. Fenton History Center

The Fenton History Center is one of Jamestown’s valuable cultural institutions and was listed on America’s National Register of Historic Places in 1974. The center primarily operates as a museum inside of Reuben Fenton’s family home. Fenton was a United States Congressman, followed by New York State Governor, and then United States Senator. Archives, a library, and a research center are located in the House House adjacent building. The Italian villa-style family residence, which is reminiscent of a mid-nineteenth century style, has been the history center for the local Southern Chautauqua County area since the year 1964.

67 Washington St, Jamestown, NY 14701, Phone: 716-664-6256

5. Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History

Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History was established to both honor and continue Roger Tory Peterson’s work of fostering understanding, protection, and appreciation for the natural world. The institute today provides educational nature programs and events for all ages, interprets natural history materials, and is home to numerous museum exhibits. The Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History is also a leader in the region’s plant and wildlife management and conservation.

311 Curtis St, Jamestown, NY 14701, Phone: 716-665-2473

6. Robert H. Jackson Center

The Robert H. Jackson Center in Jamestown, New York was founded to honor the legacy of Robert H. Jackson, a former Chautauqua County lawyer who later had a significant impact on national and world affairs as the Solicitor General, the United States Attorney General, a United State Supreme Court Justice, and particularly as the Chief United States Prosecutor during the Nuremberg War Trials. His legacy has become an important beacon for his ideals of human decency, fairness, and justice and the Robert H. Jackson Center aims to continue this legacy. The center is open Monday to Friday, and Saturdays during the summer.

305 E 4th St, Jamestown, NY 14701, Phone: 716-483-6646

7. Northwest Arena

Jamestown’s Northwest Arena is a place that is particularly popular during the summer months, offering a destination for cooling off and having fun. The arena is home to an ice skating rink open year-round, with a special Public Skate discount offered throughout the summer season. Locals and tourists alike can also catch one of the hockey games when the Jamestown Rebels are in town, as well as several other special events throughout the year. The multi-purpose Northwest Arena contains two NHL-regulation ice pads, offering an ideal venue for figure skating, hockey, ice show, and tournaments, as well as ice bumper cars.

319 W 3rd St, Jamestown, NY 14701, Phone: 716-484-2624

8. Lucille Ball Little Theatre

The Lucille Ball Little Theatre is a community theater in Jamestown, New York that puts on five major theater productions every year between the months of September and May, as well as their annual Junior Guilders Show. Each of the Lucille Ball Little Theatre’s plays is presented to the public for two weekends, while the musicals are performed for three weekends. Lucille Ball is considered to be the most famous local personality of Jamestown, having been born and educated in the city. Lucille Ball’s first experience in acting was with the little theatre in Jamestown, which is now named in her honor.

18 E 2nd St, Jamestown, NY 14701, Phone: 716-483-1095